Hemorrhoids in pregnancy: why they appear and how to treat

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy can be cured by consuming fiber, water and sitz baths, but in some cases it may be helpful to apply an ointment with medical advice.

Usually they disappear with treatment but sometimes they are more difficult to cure and may remain until delivery. External hemorrhoids in pregnancy do not prevent normal labor and do not justify a cesarean section, but this decision depends on the woman's wishes and the obstetrician's opinion.

Why do hemorrhoids appear in pregnancy?

Having hemorrhoids during pregnancy is normal due to the increase in body weight and pressure exerted on the pelvic region, constipation and the increase in the amount of blood that circulates through the pregnant woman's body, which causes the veins in the region anal dilate and become swollen, causing hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy can appear in any trimester of pregnancy, but they are more frequent from the second trimester of pregnancy onwards, as the weight gain and the pressure exerted on the pelvis is greater. However, they tend to disappear postpartum after about 3 months.

How to treat hemorrhoids in pregnancy

Treatment of hemorrhoids in pregnancy can be done with just a few precautions that the pregnant woman should adopt, such as:

• Do not use toilet paper, always cleaning the anal area with moist tissues or warm water and neutral soap after urinating or defecating;
• Do not remain seated for a long time, especially on the toilet or standing up;
• Drink about 2 liters of water per day;
• Eat foods rich in fiber, such as vegetables, legumes, fruits, cereals, beans, chickpeas or wholemeal bread, for example;
• Do not eat foods with pepper and avoid too many condiments or fried foods;
• Use a cushion with an opening in the center when sitting;
• Practice physical exercise such as walking, yoga or water aerobics, for example.

To treat hemorrhoids during pregnancy, it may also be necessary to use medications or ointments that should always be indicated by the obstetrician, as the pregnant woman must use an ointment for hemorrhoids suitable for pregnancy, such as Ultraproct or Proctyl. Know what ointments to apply to cure hemorrhoids.

Surgery for hemorrhoids during pregnancy should only be performed if all treatment alternatives are insufficient, if the situation is unbearable for the woman and if the baby is not at risk.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids in pregnancy

Pregnancy hemorrhoids can be internal or external, and can be perceived through pain in the anal region, especially when having a bowel movement, walking or sitting, itching in the anus, presence of bright red blood around the stool or on the paper hygiene after cleaning the anal region and the appearance of a bulge in the anus, in the case of external hemorrhoids.

If the pregnant woman experiences any of these symptoms, she should consult the obstetrician for him to evaluate the anal region and indicate the appropriate treatment. See a great home remedy for hemorrhoids in pregnancy that is quite effective.

Home treatment

Home treatment for hemorrhoids in pregnancy can be done with sitz baths with warm water to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms, such as pain in the anal area when sitting and when having a bowel movement, itching in the anus area and one or more puffiness in the anal region.